Self Portrait
Patterson Hood was destined to be involved in music. His dad, David Hood, was the bassist for the legendary Muscle Shoals Rhythm Section. And Patterson began writing music before he turned 10 and joined a band before reaching 15. He went on to receive much acclaim as one of the Drive-By Truckers’ founders, songwriters and guitarists. The Truckers have put out several successful albums in addition to serving as the backing band on the sublime soul singer Bettye LaVette’s The Scene of the Crime and, more recently, on Booker T.’s Potato Hole. (Together they performed as Booker T. and the DBT’s in a terrific show last weekend at Bonnaroo.) And as if all of that weren’t enough, Patterson brings a whole new band, the Screwtopians, to Music Hall of Williamsburg next Tuesday (June 23rd) and The Bowery Ballroom next Wednesday (June 24th) in support of Murdering Oscar (And Other Love Songs). In advance of these shows, Patterson was nice enough to answer five questions for The House List.
What’s the last band you paid to see live?
Probably Springsteen in Chicago in ’07. I went to a local show in Athens, Ga., not long ago and paid cover to support the scene.
Which band or bands that you listened to growing up do you still listen to?
Probably most of them. I’m still always seeking out new bands to love, but I still love the old ones, too. At home I have music playing nonstop unless I’m writing. Now I get to play records for my daughter and I get to turn her on to cool music. She loves the Clash, Centro-matic, the Kinks and Dolly Parton. She’s four-and-a-half and has great taste.
Which NYC musician—past or present—would you most like to play with?
Sonic Youth. I’ve been a fanatical fan since around Sister. Tad Kubler and I keep discussing a possible project someday. I’d love to produce a Patti Smith album.
What’s your favorite place in New York City to hang out? And do you ever feel like you could live here?
I’m fond of the Lakeside Lounge and National Underground. I think The Bowery Ballroom is one of the best-sounding rooms in America. Yes, I could definitely live here if I could work out the logistics of commuting for the band and moving my family.
Your after-party is at Hi-Fi, the Avenue A bar known for its endless jukebox, and The House List gives you a buck, what three jams are you playing?
Wilson Pickett’s “Hey Jude,” the Stooges’ “1970” and Curtis Mayfield’s “We People Who Are Darker Than Blue.” —R. Zizmor
Listen to “Pollyanna” off Murdering Oscar (And Other Love Songs)—out next Tuesday.
